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Are you closer to your work wife than even some of your best friends? Well, it seems you could be on to something.

New research reported by Fast Company suggests that work friendships are a key part of overall happiness. Futhermore, they can even improve engagement and productivity in the work place.

The report suggested that having a great relationship in the office can increase your happiness as much as earning an additional £77,000. That's one special friendship...

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While it can often feel like a challenge to move beyond small talk with colleagues, their research highlighted that a close bond with a co-worker can be achieved in just 45 minutes. Their top tip? Focusing on topics completely unrelated to work.

'Workplaces that convert their employees' untenable ties into the durable bonds shared by fast friends will have cultures and communities that are alive and generative—in one word, thriving,' Fast Company explained.

'As denizens of these communities, we will be doing something even more powerful than bringing our lives and souls with us to work: We will be sharing them with friends,' it continued.

If you were ever looking for a valid excuse for gossiping away with a colleague, this is it.